mccldwll

On '05 RX330, the rubber piece which hides the body color on the B pillar between the front and back windows ripped and to fix it's necessary to replace the entire piece which is on the front edge of the rear window (the shiny black piece).I've bought the piece. It's primary attached with peel off adhesive strips on the back of the moulding, but there is a small plastic notched piece which appears to fit inside something. Has anyone replaced this? Does it simply slide down into place before the piece is pushed back to adhere? Thanks.

Only half so, I just realized I have it backwards, on the left the left mirror will dip, on the right both will dip, in the center none will.

I have to go back to Kindergarden and re-learn my left and rights ;)

My wife had the car so I was not able to check out the switch position. But, before both sides dipped. However, the drivers side did not dip as nearly as much as the passenger mirror did.

There are some old threads about how to adjust that range.

i need help. My wife and i are looking to purchase a used car within the next month. We have narrowed down our choices to either a highlander or a RX300. Our price range puts us in a 2000-2003 year range for a rx300 with a mileage range of 86k-135k. The highlander year range is 2002-2005 with a mileage range of 85k-110k. We were told at a Lexus dealer that the rx300 is a little bit roomier than the highlander and it drives much quieter than the highlander. So, i just signed up to the lexus owners club to seek unbiased advice from people who made the decision to purchase and own a rx300.

Based on your experience as a rx300 owner, is it worthwhile to purchae a rx300 over a highlander even though it may be one year older with a few more miles than the equivelant highlander for that same price range?

Does the rx300 have enough room for a infant seat and 1 toddler seat? I know that it doesn't have as much room as a full size suv, but i just want to know if the size is sufficient.

any advice that you all can provide that will help me spend my money wisely will be greatley appreciated.

IMO. stay away from an out of warranty RX300--read older posts here for the issues. And if you ever want to haul much, the Lexus just doesn't have much cargo room. You might also want to consider an even newer RAV4 which has about as much cargo room as Highlander, but gets much better mpg, and is more fun to drive.

Hey guys just an update,

Friday March 15, I got a favorable response from Lexus main headquarters. I originally have a $1800 for repairs that is scheduled to be done before the accident happened. The dealership lexus of wilmington Delaware will be paying 50% of the cost. I will pay the other half. The damage will still be repaired by lexus wilmington DE at their cost. Thank you for the advice SW30ES. I just want them to learn a lesson, that they should treat customers right.

I hope this story will also be of help to others, that they can count on Lexus Main headquarters to discipline/have authority over those dealers who are doing these things. I commend Lexus customer satisfaction and give them 200% effort in helping me.

regards,

onie

Based on my experience, LOW does not "learn a lesson". They are glad to get you off their back so they can resume business as usual.

I don't know LOW, and I'm sure you're right that they haven't really learned a lesson. However, they have to rralize the are accumulating demerits with the mothership so they may be more careful next time.

My opinion is if these guys are jerks, and they can't even drive a car arounf without wrecking it, why would I ever let them do any bodywork to my car?

Thats why I would find an independent shop.

The guys doing the body work generally are not the same service jerks, and if they do almost all their work on Lexuses, they're used to a certain high standard. If someone knows a body shop and in confident about the body work and paint match, OK. Otherwise, if you keep it with the shop which did the damage, and they can't match the paint--get it back to original condition--then it's still their problem. They can't argue no diminished value if there is diminished value due to bad match. It's not really a question about who is capable of doing better work, it's a question about not letting the jerks off the hook until you're completely satisfied.

They have the right to drive it. It may or may not have been negligence re: driving on that day; the person who drove it; how/where it was driven (might have taken your car to get lunch, pick up someone, etc.). Ask for copy of police report for your records.

There certainly can be a problem blending paint on a 10 year old car. Unless I knew a good body shop and was ceratin about the outcome, I would want to leave the problem with that dealership to make certain they got it back to condition it was in before accident. If they can do that, then no diminished value. If they can't, there is. Don't bring in a third party that they can shift blame to if doesn't come out the way you want. Keep the ball in their court.

Have some chips on dark gray grill silver plastic shows. Is there a Lexus/Toyota touch up pen? Color code?

Thanks.

*I just noticed how bad I screwed up the title. Don't judge me. I am very tired haha.

Hi all,

My father left the rear window open on a rainy night and everything got drenched. Whenever I drive water swishes around. I've cleaned all the surface water, but its the water under the surface that is getting me. I am looking for drain plugs under the car, I know that the car isn't a boat haha, but I am hoping you all would know a good way to get rid of that water that is swishing around in and under the carpet. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Everything's soaked. Get it dried asap. I've never done it on a Lexus, but on every other car where something like this happened, I pulled out the entire interior and dried everything completely before reassembling. Anything else and you may be looking at some longterm funky mildew smells.

Thank you all for your great feedback. I meant CarFax not CarMax.....I called my local Lexus Dealer today and they looked up the Vin and gave me some good info on the vehicle. They said it has been meticulously maintained at Lexus Dealers but the 90K timing belt service was not done. Based on this we got the asking price reduced to accommodate the cost of this service. I drove it again today and checked for the hesitation and any noises, burnt smelling tranny fuel, oil sludge and any other items I've read about here but it seemed to ride really good. I did find it was mfg's in Japan vs Canada....it is AWD based on the Vin....so with all this said, I went ahead an purchased and will pickup tomorrow.

If doesn't have already, I highly recommend the rubber/all season Lexus floor mats. Around $100 from internet Lexus dealers. Not only functional, but gives your luxury ride a slightly more "rugged" look/feel from inside.

I'm thinking about purchasing a 2004 RX330 with 90K on it. Based on the Carmax Report, it's service records look good but I'm pretty sure it hasn't had a timing belt done. Any feedback on purchasing one of these with this many miles? Any known problems or issues I should be aware of up front?

Thank you,

Brenda

CarMax (where you're buying it) or CarFax (the reports, which are next to worthless in many cases)? IIRC, the 90K service is more than just T belt. Includes some things like tranny fluids, filters, driveshaft adjustments, etc.. If at a dealer, I would insist on full 90K service, w/ OEM parts. If private, cll Lexus and find out what they charge for it. Also, make sure the computer was reflashed. That was a 96 mo/80K emmissions warranty issue, but only done if someone complained (cheap *BLEEP*s). Makes a big difference.

You guys make some valid points, but just clarify I don't think the VSC caused any trans problems I was just using it as an example of major things that changed early on. Also tranny problems that showed up at dealerships early on would have been warranty repairs so there wouldn't be complaints to any public agencies.

You guys believe one way I believe the other, anyone else that reads this will have plenty of info to form their own opinions on, I'm movin on from this thread. Thanks for the info though. More fodder for debate on this issue can be found here http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx300-foru...x300-awd-2.html

I didn't mean to insinuate that VSC caused any trans problems. I am just saying that it has nothing to do with the trans discussion same as increasing the gas tank size in 01 has nothing to do with it.

I did do some searching as you suggested looking for "well documented changes" and did read the links you provided but everything seemed to indicate no trans change was made in 01 except for 1 speculation by wwest. He even goes on to claim the change causes overheating of the ATF causing more failures. But I guess that's a whole different discussion. Also the link you provided above suggests that no change was made until DBW came along in 04. NHTSA numbers also suggest that 01 trans are failing at the same rate as 00 trans were failing a year previously. I didn't post the Consumer Reports numbers for the 99-03 RX but they suggest the same.

One thing not being mentioned is the impact very minor changes could have on tranny durability--replacing a weak part or simply reflashing/recalibrating the PCM--which wouldn't show up as redesign.

I think this discussion went from "00 to 01 changes are well documented and anyone who disagrees is going against established facts" to "maybe they made some changes to the trans in 01 because they made other unrelated changes and might have seen some warranty trans failures by then". I do agree with that and hope they did make some changes, I am just saying we have no facts to support it.

If I were looking for a used RX I would definetely not get anything older than 02, just in hope that they don't follow the same failure pattern as the previous years.

There are 2 rubber strips (@1.25" x .75" x 3') which sit in recessed grooves of similar dimensions on each side of roof on '05. In very heavy cross winds the other day one came completely loose and was "fluttering". I removed it so wouldn't lose an overpriced part. Groove is filthy. After I clean groove and trip piece, what is recommended adhesive for reattachment? Does it take a continuous bead, or only some dabs on either end?

Thanks in advance

Bump--

Does anyone have any info on this and exactly what it was trying to cure (such as more tranny problems)?

Thanks.

The RX300 is a good truck. Do a carfax and have your mechanic look at it and you should be fine. Good luck.

Lexuslady is entitled to her opinion, but notice she doesn't drive an RX. The tranny is way too weak for the size/weight of the car. The trans problems are extremely well documented and not something which necessarily would be discovered by a mechanic. Neither would a myriad of other issues on the horizon. And carfax really is next to worthless. Do yourself a favor and avoid an older RX.

Don't get a Lexus. Even if it didn't have the trans issues, which it does, it's still a luxury car and when little things fail, they're expensive. Look in the April (cars) issue of Consumer Reports. It lists best bets/cars to avoid. Also lists good choices at various price points. If you really want an SUV, look at CRV, RAV4, Forester. Also Subaru Legacy/Outback (but some years had head gasket failure issues which would need to be priced in) and Mazda wagon. Also Edmunds has a "what it costs to drive" comparison for whatever car you plug in.

Hi guys,

I am a recent college grad - I have around 10k to purchase a reliable car to get me to work. I live in Philadelphia with occasionally snow storm. I was hoping to get an SUV like RX 300. Do you think I can get a decent RX for around 10k? What are some of the things that I should pay attention to when I purchase a car? Is it possible to get a Lexus mechanic to have a complete check up on the car? If so how much will it cost? Thank you so much for the advice :) I'm also open to other suggestion, anything within my 10k budget. Thank you!

Lorraine.

For anyone not aware of it, there is a TSIB from 2/9/2006 which suggests recalibration of the ECM to resolve certain "gear hunting" shift issues. It's under the emmissions warranty so it's covered for 80,000 miles or 96 months.

I had mine reflashed yesterday. TSIB says may not notice full effect for several days of driving while it "relearns". Could someone please address/explain this procedure and what it is really trying to accomplish. Thanks.

:( My locked '01 RX300 was stolen/driven out of my locked carport w/no shattered glass left on floor. Insurance will pay [measly] $$$ in 15days if car not found. Where can I find a good baseline value for my car? I think the payout will be between $10-15K, if I'm lucky. I want another SUV. Is it worth it to look for another '01 RX or is there a better used RX [or other SUV] that I can get with the insurance payout [plus $5K max]? I am on a fixed income; took a huge hit financially this year; live in must-have-a-car LA; and refuse to have a car note. Opinions needed and welcomed!

cars.com

Yeah, i don't think so. I just posted pictures of our keys a few hours ago in the general forum that should keep your pants on.

Stop trying to gang up on me it's ridiculous.

The pics are gone. Did your parents just find out how incredibly stupid their kid is and pull them?

This kid is nuts. Someone let his parents know about this thread. Name, address, picture, garage variance application, everything is online. Maybe $5K will slap some sense into the family. It beats a criminal record.

I am sure his parent aware of the consequences.

They're aware of the consequences of filing a fraudulent claim, but smart parents wouldn't have proceeded on that course of action had they known he posted everything here. The risk is way too great.

why does he have to pay out of his own pocket? isn't it the purpose of buying full coverage insurance is to cover everything? doesn't matter who drives it, as long the car is insured.

The disease has spread to the other coast and, ironically, that same amorality could present complications for OP here. Of course it matters what happened to whom. Others have said so, and he acknowledged that himself:

"My mother called back and asked outright if our rates would increase and the lady sated they wouldn't. She said it doesn't go by incidents on the total policy but that of each individual driver. Since my mother hasn't had a ticket in the past 10 years and hasn't filed a claim before, the insurance "lets the first one go".

Thanks to her son, when she eventually gets caught she no longer will be able to say that she didn't realize it made any difference who had the accident. She can't say it was a little white lie to save OP the points. He has chronicled to the internet that she knows that it makes a difference in rates. A money based decision. And this has nothing to do with people here being perfect. It has to do with being smart. It was suggested that they go ahead and quietly have it fixed privately and not file a claim. Idea rejected, even though "a lexus is like a corolla" to them. And filing a false claim is one thing. Filing a false claim, rationalizing it, and telling the entire internet universe about it, is quite another. It's well into the realm of stupidity. And I'd be willing to bet dimes to donuts that his parents don't have a clue that he's blabbed to the world at large what his parents are doing. Lots of stuff like this goes on behind closed doors, but smart, affluent people don't hang their tattered underwear in the front yard. He cares more about himself and getting his car fixed than about what could happen to his parents. I suspect he may have some issues along these lines which might give him a defense if only he were involved. His parents don't have the same luxury, and are being hung out to dry by the kid they've tried so hard to protect.

Thanks for the update but I think you may be missing something. You've deleted all your original posts but they live on in the quotes sections of other posters. I'm not trying to be your conscience here but have you told your mother that you've posted this whole story on a public forum? Not that I think you deserve a spanking or anything :-) but rather does she know that there are dozens (maybe hundreds) of people who are aware of your plan? I'm certainly not going to interfere with you in any way but the point is you have no idea who is on or who monitors this forum and you're letting your Mother take a helluva risk just so save a few bucks. Just my opinion...

Not only that, but his original posts are already "cached" in google (and other search engines) so can't be deleted. It's a fun read. My wife is a teacher and is having students read and discuss it re: individual responsibility, helicopter parents, the power of the internet, and how shame is somehow missing in today's teens. As a group, we come off pretty well. Maybe it will become a verb--to "duluk" something, or to be "duluked."

Just wanted to update you guys, in case anyone cared...

The insurance company called and left a message on our machine, stating the appraiser went to see the car at the shop. He and the body shop guy agreed upon a price of $5,1xx to fix it. (don't remember the last two digits...).

My mother called back and asked outright if our rates would increase and the lady sated they wouldn't. She said it doesn't go by incidents on the total policy but that of each individual driver. Since my mother hasn't had a ticket in the past 10 years and hasn't filed a claim before, the insurance "lets the first one go". My parent's are also very friendly with someone who works for the ins company so i'm sure that will help us out as well.

I called the body shop and they told me the parts from Lexus came in and they were working on my car. They stated it should be finished before Tuesday but it could take longer...

So i'll update with pictures when the car's complete.

Thanks again guys for all of your advice/opinions on the matter, this has been a lesson!

Why are you posting this? You have chronicled how you had an accident, that rather than fix and pay for it yourself or report it to your insurance as your own accident, that your mother filed a fraudulent insurance claim. You even state what you're trying to do in your post (put the at fault accident on another driver). And with an amount now over $5000, that could kick it in to a higher degree of felony. And anyone googling your name will find this thread (not to mention that it will be found when you have a subsequent accident, and then you are toast). You also had better hope that no one at your school discovers this, or that no one wants to get to you or your family for anything. Have you even bothered to tell them that you have told the entire internet about the crime? Do you really think insurance companies cut large checks without doing a 15 minute internet search? Do you enjoy going through life looking over your shoulder? Ever heard of karma?Someone really should print this thread and send it to your parents (your address is online too).

Just wanted to update you guys, in case anyone cared...

The insurance company called and left a message on our machine, stating the appraiser went to see the car at the shop. He and the body shop guy agreed upon a price of $5,1xx to fix it. (don't remember the last two digits...).

My mother called back and asked outright if our rates would increase and the lady sated they wouldn't. She said it doesn't go by incidents on the total policy but that of each individual driver. Since my mother hasn't had a ticket in the past 10 years and hasn't filed a claim before, the insurance "lets the first one go". My parent's are also very friendly with someone who works for the ins company so i'm sure that will help us out as well.

I called the body shop and they told me the parts from Lexus came in and they were working on my car. They stated it should be finished before Tuesday but it could take longer...

So i'll update with pictures when the car's complete.

Thanks again guys for all of your advice/opinions on the matter, this has been a lesson!

I'm just curious where is the cheapest places to buy OEM accessories and parts?

Sorry.. I'm new to Lexus...

I've bought touch up paint, a piece of moulding and rubber mats from Sewell.

I got 44000 miles out of OEM Michelins. However, I just put a set of Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas on the car. Great warranty (60000? if I remember correctly) and a bit quieter than the Michelins.

THere has been a lot of discussions in the archives on this subject. Do a search and see what pops up.

Gary

I need tires soon. The Dueler Alenzas have sounded the best thus far (for an '05 330), but has anyone had a different experience? Overall, on other cars, my results with Bridgestone has not been as good as with Michelin.